GitHub Copilot

★ 4.4/5Free tier

AI pair programmer with real-time code suggestions in your editor

Free + from $10/mo · Verified 2026-06-16

What is GitHub Copilot?

GitHub Copilot is an AI coding assistant that provides real-time code completions, chat, and multi-file editing directly inside VS Code, JetBrains, Neovim, and other editors. It is backed by OpenAI models fine-tuned for code and deeply integrated into the GitHub ecosystem for pull requests, issues, and code review.

Pricing

Free plan (2,000 completions + 50 chat messages/mo). Pro from $10/mo; Business $19/user/mo; Enterprise $39/user/mo. As of June 2026.

Pricing changes often — verified 2026-06-16. Always confirm the current plans on GitHub Copilot's site.

Pros

✓Deep GitHub ecosystem integration (PRs, issues, code review)
✓Free tier with generous completions allowance
✓Works across VS Code, JetBrains, Neovim, Xcode
✓Enterprise tier with IP indemnity and policy controls

Cons

–Chat and agent features still evolving vs. dedicated AI IDEs
–Free tier message caps can feel limiting for heavy users
–Some advanced features locked to Business/Enterprise

Key features

Inline code completions
Copilot Chat (multi-model)
Multi-file editing (Edits mode)
Pull request summaries
Knowledge bases (Enterprise)
Copilot Extensions marketplace

Best for

Real-time code completions in the editorTeams already on GitHubPull request summaries and code reviewMulti-language developmentEnterprise-scale coding assistance

What models does GitHub Copilot use?

GitHub Copilot runs on GPT, Claude-class models. Building on the API directly instead? Compare raw LLM pricing to see what those models cost per token.

GitHub Copilot alternatives

Cursor★ 4.5

AI-native code editor with multi-file editing and agentic coding

Windsurf★ 4.1

AI IDE with agentic flows and a generous free tier

Replit★ 4.0

Browser-based IDE with AI agent that builds full apps from prompts

Amazon Q Developer★ 3.8

AWS-integrated AI coding assistant with free tier

See the full AI Coding ranking →

FAQ

How much does GitHub Copilot cost?

Free plan (2,000 completions + 50 chat messages/mo). Pro from $10/mo; Business $19/user/mo; Enterprise $39/user/mo. As of June 2026.. GitHub Copilot has a free tier you can start with. Pricing was verified 2026-06-16; check GitHub Copilot's site for current plans.

Is GitHub Copilot worth it?

GitHub Copilot is best for Real-time code completions in the editor, Teams already on GitHub, Pull request summaries and code review. Its main strengths are deep github ecosystem integration (prs, issues, code review) and free tier with generous completions allowance. The main trade-offs are chat and agent features still evolving vs. dedicated ai ides and free tier message caps can feel limiting for heavy users.

Does GitHub Copilot have a free trial or free plan?

Yes — GitHub Copilot offers a free plan or trial so you can test it before paying.

What are the best GitHub Copilot alternatives?

Strong ai coding alternatives to GitHub Copilot include Cursor, Windsurf, Replit, Amazon Q Developer. Compare them on our AI Coding roundup.